The IO for 3k represents a great value IMO.
When I bought my IO back in 2006 I changed the tubes ( as per Albert Porter suggestion) in the phono stage and left the ones in the power-supply stock.
Happily, five years later and still enjoying the music with no noise issues.
If you do change the tubes in the phono stage, somseveral pairs will need to be ultra low noise type. Had Andy from Vintage Tube service supply mine. Andy is very knowledgeable.
Hope this was of help.
Take care,
When I bought my IO back in 2006 I changed the tubes ( as per Albert Porter suggestion) in the phono stage and left the ones in the power-supply stock.
Happily, five years later and still enjoying the music with no noise issues.
If you do change the tubes in the phono stage, somseveral pairs will need to be ultra low noise type. Had Andy from Vintage Tube service supply mine. Andy is very knowledgeable.
Hope this was of help.
Take care,